nimh answers questions about suicide · that in 2014, suicide was the second leading cause of death...
TRANSCRIPT
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2014, suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10–24. Although these numbers may make suicide seem common, it is still a rare event. Suicidal thoughts or behaviors are more common than suicide deaths and are signs of extreme distress. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are not harmless bids for attention and should not be ignored.
Risk factors vary with age, gender, or ethnic group and may change over time. Some factors that increase an individual’s risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors are:
ÊDepression, anxiety, and other mental disorders
ÊSubstance abuse disorder
ÊChronic pain
ÊPrior suicide attempt
ÊFamily history of suicide
ÊFamily violence, including physical or sexual abuse
ÊFirearms in the home
ÊHaving recently been released from jail or prison
ÊExposure to suicidal behavior of others, such as family members or peers
It is important to note that many people who have these risk factors are not suicidal.
The following are some of the signs you might notice in yourself or a friend that may be reason for concern:
ÊTalking about wanting to die or wanting to kill oneself
ÊMaking a plan or looking for a way to kill oneself,
such as searching online
ÊBuying a gun, or stockpiling pills
ÊFeeling empty, hopeless, or feeling like there is no
reason to live
ÊFeeling trapped or in unbearable pain
ÊTalking about being a burden to others
Ê Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
ÊActing anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
ÊSleeping too little or too much
ÊWithdrawing from family or friends or feeling isolated
ÊShowing rage or talking about seeking revenge
ÊDisplaying extreme mood swings
ÊSaying good-bye to loved ones, putting affairs in order
Seeking help is a sign of strength; if you are concerned, go with your instincts and seek professional help.
Reaching out to a friend you are concerned about is also a sign of strength.
Immediate action is very important. Here are a few resources:
ÊNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), confidential help24-hours-a-day. You can also visit the Lifeline’swebsite at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
ÊVeterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1
Ê Crisis Text Line: text CONNECT to 741-741
ÊHealthReach, information available in multiple languages: www.healthreach.nlm.nih.gov/searchindex/Suicide
ÊHelp for Mental Illnesses: National Institute of Mental Health web page www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp
ÊTreatment Referral Routing Service: 1-800-662-HELP (4357), funded by theSubstance Abuse and Mental HealthServices Administration
Many social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, and Google+, have ways to report suicidal content and get help for the content creator. Each social media site has a different procedure, so search the site’s help page for assistance.
A: Great idea! Here are suggestions for reporting on suicide: http://reportingonsuicide.org/.
You can:
ÊVisit the NIMH website: www.nimh.nih.gov and search “suicide”
ÊVisit the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus, English: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
En Español: www.nlm.nih.gov/ medlineplus/spanish
ÊFind information on clinical trials at the National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials database: www.ClinicalTrials.gov/
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This publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission from NIMH. Citation of the National Institute of Mental Health as a source is appreciated. We encourage you to reproduce it and use it in your efforts to improve public health. However, using government materials inappropriately can raise legal or ethical concerns, so we ask you to use these guidelines:
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If you have questions regarding these guidelines and use of NIMH publications, please contact the NIMH Information Resource Center at 1-866-615-6464 or e-mail at [email protected].
National Institute of Mental Health Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications Science Writing, Press, and Dissemination Branch 6001 Executive Boulevard Room 6200, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 Phone: 301–443–4513 or Toll-free: 1–866–615–NIMH (6464) TTY: 301–443–8431 or TTY Toll-free: 1–866–415–8051Fax: 301–443–4279 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nimh.nih.gov
OM 16-4308September 2016